JD Wetherspoon is closing down its Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts for all its 900 pubs and head office with immediate effect because its boss says ‘people spend too much time’ on social media.

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: ‘We are going against conventional wisdom that these platforms are a vital component of a successful business.

‘I don’t believe that closing these accounts will affect our business whatsoever, and this is the overwhelming view of our pub managers.

JD Wetherspoon is closing down its Twitter , Instagram and Facebook accounts for all its 900 pubs and head office with immediate effect following the trolling of MPs and others, the company has announced

‘It’s becoming increasingly obvious that people spend too much time on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and struggle to control the compulsion.

‘We will still be as vocal as ever through our Wetherspoon News magazine, as well as keeping the press updated at all times.

‘We will also be maintaining our website and the Wetherspoon app and encourage customers to get in touch with us via our website or by speaking with the manager at their local pub.’

Before the announcement, the last post on the company’s main Twitter page was posted on April 1 and received just nine retweets and 26 likes.

Wetherspoon has more than 44,000 Twitter followers and more than 100,000 followers on Facebook.

Its most popular posts have received more than 500,000 views.

People took to Twitter to question the pub chain’s decision.

Wetherspoon has more than 44,000 Twitter followers and more than 100,000 followers on Facebook. Pictured is the pub in Beaconsfield

Craig Keith wrote: ‘I’m sorry, but that is an insane move made by someone that does not understand social media. You will lose business over this, I can guarantee it.

‘There was so much more you could have done apart from shutting the account down… crazy.’